EUTAW, Alabama --U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions did not issue an endorsement in the race for Public Service Commission, Place 2, but he came close.

On Monday, Sessions spoke at an event where Chip Beeker was present. Sessions, campaigning for himself in a race where he has no opponent, did all but endorse Beeker in the Republican runoff election to be held on July 15.

"Chip Beeker is a first-rate guy," Sessions told an audience in Eutaw on Tuesday. "He's got good principles and good values. He loves this state."

If that sounds like an endorsement, it's not. Sessions did not officially endorse Beeker. But the campaign event in Eutaw, Beeker's hometown, so close to the July 15 runoff is likely a signal to Republican voters.

Beeker played the words up by posting a video of the event, and thanked Sessions for his support.